咖啡“白菜价”时代来了？古茗降至2.9元，多家餐厅美式免费

Core Insights - The coffee industry in China is experiencing a significant price drop, with prices reaching as low as 2.9 yuan per cup, leading to discussions about a "cabbage price era" for coffee [1][5][14] - Major brands like Taijuan Coffee and Guming are aggressively lowering prices to attract customers, with Guming's recent promotion offering coffee at 2.9 yuan during breakfast hours [1][7] - The trend of offering free coffee in restaurants and cafes is becoming more common as a strategy to attract customers, with examples from various establishments in major cities [3][10] Price Trends - Coffee prices in China have decreased by approximately 90% over the past five years, with brands like Luckin and Kudi leading the charge by offering coffee at prices below 10 yuan [5][9] - The ongoing price war has made coffee more accessible, with consumers now able to purchase coffee at prices comparable to or lower than tea [5][14] Market Dynamics - The rise of low-priced coffee has attracted a diverse customer base, including students and young professionals, who previously viewed coffee as too expensive [14] - The number of coffee shops in China has more than doubled from 108,000 at the end of 2020 to over 233,000 as of September 2023, indicating a significant market expansion [14][18] Consumer Behavior - The increasing availability of low-cost coffee is changing consumer habits, with more people developing a taste for coffee and incorporating it into their daily routines [9][14] - There is speculation about whether coffee could become as ubiquitous as free tea in restaurants, although experts suggest that this is still a distant possibility [10][12] Future Outlook - The Chinese coffee market is expected to continue evolving, with new brands entering the space and existing brands expanding their reach, such as JD's recent entry into the fresh coffee market [18] - The future positioning of coffee brands in China remains uncertain, with ongoing competition likely to shape consumer preferences and market dynamics [18]